Lynch's choice of words might reveal his plans

Published 4:00 am, Monday, November 20, 2006

Junior tailback Marshawn Lynch has shuddered at the slightest allusion to his supposed plan to enter the NFL draft at season's end, but he finally might have finally tipped his hand after Cal's 23-9 loss to USC on Saturday night.

"This year, they got us. Next year is a different year," he said. "We've got a lot of young players who got a taste, and next year, they'll be hungry."

Though some might focus on the fact that Lynch is talking about next year, they would be missing the key to the quote, which is he said "they'll" as opposed to "we'll." Lynch is a smart guy who carefully chooses his words, and as the ultimate family and team guy, he usually opts for "we" even when referring to himself, so the use of "they" really is significant.

Few would disagree that it makes sense for Lynch to leave before risking an injury in a brutal game as a senior. He has posted numbers and showcased skills that have most draft experts predicting him to be the first running back chosen. He has endured two ankle sprains and a sore back to be in a position to financially take care of his mother, whom he refers to as "my heart."

Maybe more importantly, Lynch has made an effort to have as much fun as possible and to relish every experience that this season could bring. Think back to him starting the Washington-Cal game by carrying a flag during the "March to Victory" and finishing the game with a zigzagging utility-cart ride across half of the field to celebrate the Bears' overtime victory.

"He's having more fun," said receiver Robert Jordan, who is Lynch's cousin, "but he's also just being himself more."

He's a guy who has been destined for greatness on the football field, and the collegiate game might not provide a big enough stage anymore.

Look who's playing, too: Less than two weeks ago, Cal coach Jeff Tedford was explaining how Brandon Mebane's exceptional play had gone unnoticed. The senior defensive tackle often is asked to occupy two or three blockers while his teammates get the glory for making plays.

Playing in his hometown, Mebane made it impossible to ignore his efforts Saturday. The Los Angeles Crenshaw High alum played out of his mind, recording three tackles, a sack and a safety on a play in which he, at 295 pounds, appeared as quick as any skill-position player on the field.

As one Cal alum said with the Bears leading 9-6 at halftime, "If we end up winning this game by a point or two, Mebane will go down his history as a folk hero."

Briefly: Angry e-mails were in abundance after The Chronicle's piece about the Bears' sputtering offense in Friday's editions, rightly noting that Cal was ranked ninth in the country in scoring and total offense. On Saturday, the Bears' nine points represented their lowest output since a 48-7 loss to Oregon in 2001, the season before Tedford took over the program.